Residential play worker jobs

Green Alliance is an environmental thinktank, charity and advocate committed to achieving a greener, fairer future for the UK. We believe that ambitious political leadership is essential for meaningful environmental change at the speed and scale necessary.

We are looking for an enthusiastic individual to join our operations team, someone with a strong financial background with excellent attention to detail, a flexible attitude, an ability to work effectively under their own initiative and as part of a small team, together with excellent organisation and administrative skills.

Effective financial control is central to our strategy and operating model. The finance officer plays an essential role in maintaining control over our finances and operations. You will process and monitor financial transactions, liaise with our payroll bureau regarding staff payroll and pensions and support the Head of finance. You will be experienced in using Dynamics 365 Business Central as an accounting system.

This is a part-time role for two days a week (0.4FTE), with flexibility about when the hours are worked. It's a hybrid role, working from home and from our office. You will report to our Head of finance. You will also work with all staff on financial matters including personal and credit card expenses, central and project income and expenditure, and processing of payroll by liaising with our external bureau.

Are you a passionate, skilled and compassionate Occupational Therapist who believes every young person deserves the opportunity to thrive? Do you want to work somewhere where your expertise has a visible, lasting impact — where independence grows, barriers are reduced, and young people are empowered to succeed in all aspects of their lives?

At Southover, we are looking for a committed Occupational Therapist who brings clinical excellence, creativity and a genuine determination to make a difference. Our students have often experienced disrupted journeys, but with the right therapeutic support, they make exceptional progress — not only academically, but socially, emotionally and functionally.

This is a unique opportunity to work as part of a multi-disciplinary team, where therapy is fully integrated into the school day. You will play a key role in supporting students with sensory and motor needs, helping staff embed effective strategies, and ensuring every young person can access learning and daily life with confidence.

If you thrive in a dynamic environment where no two days are the same, where relationships are central, and where your professional judgement and innovation are valued, you will feel right at home here.

We are seeking an Occupational Therapist who is committed to delivering high-quality, evidence-based interventions, raising aspirations and supporting students to develop the skills they need for lifelong success.

This is an exciting opportunity to join a good school where your work truly matters. You will contribute to a nurturing, ambitious and holistic environment that prioritises the wellbeing and development of every young person.

What we are looking for:

• A qualified Occupational Therapist who will make a real difference

• A skilled clinician with experience of sensory and motor needs

• Someone who is flexible, creative and solution-focused

• A strong relationship-builder with excellent communication skills

• A proactive team player who thrives in a collaborative environment

What we offer:

• A warm, welcoming and supportive working environment where staff wellbeing really matters

• The opportunity to work closely with students and see the direct impact of your interventions

• A committed, multi-disciplinary team who collaborate, support and celebrate each other

• Opportunities to contribute to whole-school practice, training and development

• A highly rewarding role where you can have a transformational impact on young people’s lives

Important information:

• We only accept applications using our application form; CVs cannot be considered

• Southover is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people. All staff are expected to share this commitment

• The successful candidate will require an Enhanced DBS Certificate and will be subject to a range of safer recruitment checks

• All staff must comply with data protection responsibilities and adhere to GDPR principles

• We welcome applicants from all backgrounds and operate in full accordance with the Equality Act 2010

• Applicants must have the Right to Work in the UK

• Please note: Depending on application numbers, we may shortlist and interview before the closing date

Ready for Your Next Leadership Challenge?

Do you have experience working with children and young people in residential care? Are you passionate about helping young people overcome adversity and achieve positive outcomes? Do you enjoy supporting colleagues, leading by example, and making a lasting difference?

If so, we have an exciting opportunity for you to join our Emotional Well-being Home in Leicestershire as a Senior Residential Children & Young People's Worker on a full-time, permanent basis.

About the Service

Barnardo's, the UK's largest children's charity, works in partnership with Leicestershire County Council to provide high-quality residential care for some of the county's most vulnerable children and young people.

Our homes provide safe, stable and nurturing environments for children and young people aged 8–18 who may have experienced trauma, disrupted attachments, loss, neglect, or other complex life experiences. We support a small number of young people at any one time, enabling us to provide highly individualised care and build meaningful relationships that promote emotional wellbeing, resilience, confidence and independence.

Our practice is rooted in trauma-informed, attachment-aware and relationship-based approaches. We believe every child deserves to feel safe, valued, listened to and supported to achieve their full potential.

Whilst this home will be your primary base, flexibility is required as there may occasionally be opportunities to support other residential services across Leicestershire.

About the Role

As a Senior Residential Children & Young People's Worker, you will play a key role in supporting the day-to-day operation of the home and providing leadership during shifts.

Working alongside the management team, you will help create a safe, nurturing and structured environment where children and young people can thrive. You will act as a positive role model, supporting colleagues to deliver high-quality care and ensuring that safeguarding remains at the centre of practice.

At Hestia, we are guided by our core values and are dedicated to fostering an equitable, diverse, and inclusive organisation. Our mission is to empower individuals to rebuild their lives and achieve independence. Right now, we are looking for a Refuge Worker to play a pivotal role in our Domestic Abuse Service in Tower Hamlets

Sounds great, what will I be doing?

This role involves providing intensive, person-centred support to women in a residential setting. The role includes delivering key sessions, community meetings, and daily contact to assess and monitor individual needs. You will co-produce Support and Safety Plans with residents, focusing on their strengths and goals, and offer advice on safety, domestic abuse, housing, and independent living. Responsibilities also include liaising with statutory bodies on safeguarding matters, supporting move-on accommodation, and promoting empowerment through workshops and social activities. The role follows “The Hestia Approach,” prioritising co-production, recovery, and partnership with service users.

What do I need to bring with me?

You'll need to be able to demonstrate the core skills this role requires as well as match our values and mission. You don't have to tick all the boxes right away; the important thing is that you're willing to learn. We also value lived experience of the areas we support, so if you feel comfortable, please do mention this on your application.

Here's what the team will be looking for

The successful candidate will have substantial experience working directly with individuals who present a wide range of support needs, risks, and aspirations for their future. They will be confident in delivering high‑quality casework, including key working, support planning, and risk assessments, with a strong focus on promoting independence and recovery. A solid understanding of issues affecting women experiencing domestic abuse, as well as knowledge of mental health, substance misuse, and the wider social factors impacting service users, is essential.

The role requires someone who is able to work collaboratively with a variety of external agencies, including Social Services, mental health teams, drug and alcohol services, and other community organisations. The candidate must be able to communicate effectively with professionals to ensure that support packages are well‑coordinated and that safeguarding responsibilities are met. A thorough understanding of safeguarding legislation and procedures, including child protection, is fundamental to the role.

The postholder will need strong knowledge of welfare benefits, housing legislation, and the practical steps involved in supporting women to secure and maintain safe accommodation. They must be able to work confidently within service specifications, quality frameworks, and organisational policies, ensuring accurate record‑keeping, case notes, and monitoring reports. Experience using computer‑based systems to record client information is therefore required.

A commitment to equality, diversity, and the rights of service users is central to the role. The candidate must demonstrate an ability to promote dignity, choice, empowerment, and co‑production in all aspects of their work, in line with The Hestia Approach. They should be able to support women in developing confidence, resilience, and peer networks, and be comfortable facilitating group activities, workshops, and community‑based initiatives.

Please note: This role is open to female applicants only, in accordance with Schedule 9 (1a) of the Equality Act 2010.

Interview Steps

We keep our interview process simple, so you know exactly what to expect.

• Shortlisting call: We have a team of dedicated recruitment specialists who will speak to you about your experience, motivations and values. They will also tell you about all the great work we do!
• Face to face interview: Now you will have face to face interview with the hiring manager. Our interviews are value and competency based.

Don't be alarmed if there are other stages in the process, it's all part of the plan for some of our roles.

Our commitment to Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion

Our services users come from all walks of life and so do we. We hire great people from a wide variety of backgrounds because it makes us stronger. We are committed to creating and maintaining a diverse and inclusive workforce and value the skills, abilities, talent and experiences, different people and communities bring to our organisation.

We are a disability confident employer

Hestia is proud to be a disability confident employer, dedicated to the employment and career development of individuals with disabilities. We offer a guaranteed interview scheme for all applicants with disabilities who meet the minimum criteria for the role they have applied for. We also provide reasonable adjustments during the selection and interview process, and throughout your employment with us.

Safeguarding Statement

Hestia is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of adults, children and young people who are potentially at risk, and we therefore expect all staff and volunteers to do the same. We require all staff to undertake internal and external safeguarding training throughout their employment with Hestia.

Inspire mission and discipleship of children and young people  

We are looking for a dynamic team player who is passionate about creating opportunities for children and young people to explore the Bible, respond to Jesus and grow in faith, and who can inspire and equip others to do the same.    

Location: Home-based– predominantly covering the areas of Newcastle, Byker, Felton and Cramlington.  This Scripture Union role will be working alongside St Thomas Church, Newcastle and working ecumenically alongside other churches to grow mission in the local area. 

Important things to note before you apply.     

1. We are committed to building a culturally diverse workforce. As part of this commitment, we welcome applications from people, regardless of their background. 
2. We take Safeguarding seriously. This role will require an Enhanced Disclosure from the Disclosure & Barring Service and has an occupational requirement to be filled by a committed Christian, active in church life. Equality Act 2010, Part 1, Schedule 9 applies.    
3. Please note that we do not provide visa sponsorship arrangements so applicants will need to have the right to live and be employed in a permanent job in the UK.   

Who we’re looking for    

You are someone who loves variety in your work and the fact that no two days are the same. You thrive on building relationships adopting a facilitating approach, coaching, mentoring, equipping, training, and motivating others.  You value a blend of face-to-face and online interactions.    

You’re a connector with experience in teamwork with diverse groups of people. Your creative mindset, combined with excellent organisational skills, enables you to spot and create opportunities for impact. You love Jesus and are filled with energy and passion for sharing the gospel. You excel with people. You are a confident communicator with experience in training and empowering others.  You have the qualities to be an excellent coach and mentor.   

If this describes you and you would like to join an organisation with a passion for Christ, sharing the gospel, making disciples and the emerging generation, provides a competitive salary, a generous pension scheme, and other valuable benefits, then read on.     

About Scripture Union     

You might have heard of us before if you're one of the 1.5 million+ who have attended one of our Christian holidays or missions over the years, or maybe you're one of the 40,000+ subscribers to have used our brilliant devotionals or been stirred by our exceptional bible resources. We've been at this for a fair few years... over 150 to be precise. Over this time, we’ve remained passionate about helping children and young people develop a vibrant faith in Jesus. As our name describes, the radical power of God's word has always been central to our approach.       

We still do all the great stuff with resources and holidays, but in the last few years, we have sharpened our vision with a renewed focus to help the ‘95%’ of young people (primary and secondary school age) across the UK who don’t go to church, and had opportunity to hear and respond to the good news of Jesus. We do this through equipping and resourcing the local church, training up volunteers and paid workers from local churches (we call them ‘Faith Guides’) and collaborating with local and national partners across the UK to connect with children and young people and support them on a journey of exploring faith in a way that is relevant and meaningful.     

In the last few years we’ve developed a brand new approach to how we do this, it’s simple and incredibly effective, we call it Revealing Jesus, and its making a massive difference. We have staff organised into four regional teams, and alongside our local and national partners, we’re playing our part in a network of organisations that seeks to reach children and young people in every context, across every town and city across England and Wales. The journey ahead is significant, and we invite you to be a part of it!

Invest in our mission, as we invest in you: Our Benefits:   

• 23 days holiday (pro rata) + bank holidays + 5 volunteering days 

• Up to 12% pension contribution 

• Life insurance 

• Free Bible Reading Guides 

• Enhanced family leave 

• A supportive, faith-filled environment where your work has eternal impact   

About our team    

Like many jobs, you will work with lots of different teams in different contexts. With this role, you will have the benefit of being part of a regionally focused team that is part of our wider movement.    

The successful candidate will be a part of our North Regional team of 9 other workers who between us work across the North region.

Job description: Revealing Jesus Pioneer Scripture Union    

You will work ecumenically in and around Newcastle multiplying your impact through equipping, empowering and mobilising others in outreach work. You’ll add energy, expertise, direction, and skill to the mix. You’ll recruit, motivate, train, equip, coach and support Faith Guides; you’ll work in partnership with this group as well as leading by example, you will model excellent mission delivery to children and young people aligned with SU’s mission.     

Who We're Looking For: Our Ideal Candidate    

We're seeking someone who is not just good at what they do, but also deeply passionate about our mission. Here's what we envision in the right person:    

• A thoughtful individual who can see the big picture and make smart decisions that genuinely impact our ministry.     

• A Champion for Children and Young People: You'll bring a wealth of understanding about working with young people, be a passionate advocate for their faith journey, be excellent at delivering ministry, and be someone who can clearly articulate your vision.     

• Inspirational: You'll have a natural ability to connect with people, listen deeply, ask great questions, influence discussions, gently challenge the status quo, and spark new, creative ideas within our networks.     

• Self-Motivated Organised and Effective: You're someone who thrives on managing their own work, setting priorities effectively, and skilfully juggling multiple projects.  

• A Team Player: You will work effectively as part of the North Team and also teams across Regional Mission and the movement as a whole.     

• Forward-Thinking: You're able to imagine and pursue ambitious, long-term goals with determination.     

• Spiritually Open and Grounded: You'll be comfortable and accepting of various Christian traditions, worship styles, and expressions of faith. Crucially, you'll have a growing love and understanding of the Bible.     

• Deeply Committed to Faith: You'll have a strong personal commitment to God and live as an active Christian disciple.     

As with all our team members, you will also:    

• Be a committed Christian who resonates with SU's mission and values, actively participating in a local church community.     

• Strive for a strong understanding of the Bible, applying its teachings to your daily life and inspiring others to do the same.     

Skills You'll Need:    

• You'll be confident and capable in using digital tools including email and Microsoft Office 365 applications (Word, Excel etc.). 
• Presentation/training skills     
• It is also essential that you live in the Newcastle area, have a good understanding of the local area and hold a current driving license.  

Interview Date: 16th July 2026

Interview Location: St Thomas' Church, Newcastle